So after three years of chasing the elusive(to me anyhow) black bear I think itís finally time Iíve broken down and paid for a guide. While I donít think itíll ever be a cakewalk, thereís some disconnect between what Iím doing and what I should be doing, however I donít know what it is, and in three years I still havenít got it. I think being in the field with someone who can consistently spot bears and knows exactly where to look for them will probably teach me a lot more than Iíve learned in the past three years on my own(which by my 0 bears on the ground and 1 spotted, means not that much)

Anyway, does anyone have a suggestion? I could go west or east, or even Idaho. I am looking for spot and stalk public land only. No private, baits or hounds.

Before you say it, I know dale guides and heís surely in consideration - Iím just looking at all my options.

Since you are wanting a spot and stalk hunt, you might also consider Montana. No bait or hound hunting allowed there either, so all guided hunts are spot and stalk. And you don't need to draw to hunt the spring season like you do here.

Iíve mainly hunted the West, however I did try the east side last year and gonna try Idaho this year

I agree with bobcat due to no hounds or bait I think spot and stalk would be better in Montana over idaho. Idaho would be good but I see more bears out and about in Montana especially on easier to access country.

Imo, I would contact Dale and set up a semi guided, maps and a bunk provided, and hunt. 2nd to that I would put out the feelers for a Quinalt hunt over bait. Those two options should put a bear on the ground.

Get in the high mountain berry patches in late Sep-Oct youíll find them.

Logged

"Just because I like granola, and I have stretched my arms around a few trees, doesn't mean I'm a tree hugger!Hi I'm 8156, our leader is Bearpaw. YOU CANNOT REASON WITH A TIGER WHEN YOUR HEAD IS IN ITS MOUTH! Winston Churchill

Go up to the Curlew area and just drive the logging roads. Togo near Danville is a good place. I've seen so many bears when I lived there, They are literally all over, lots of roads. Pack a lunch and drive the road real slow is the best way. In 17 years living there, I probably have seen close to 50 + bears.

I would not necessarily look to go out of state, unless it's a spring hunt you are after. Washington has, imo, the best bear hunting in the lower 48. I would be curious to know the locations you have been pursuing them in these 3 years? There's areas(and food sources) that people stumble into bears, and there's areas people go to HUNT BEARS. I love the spring hunt, but summer/fall bear, hunting in shorts and a t shirt is also pretty great!

Couple things that I have learned and work for me. Hunt the right food source for that time of year and area. And bears really dislike human traffic.

I saw 16 bears from one glassing point a couple years ago. 2 weeks later when I brought 2 buddies in to bear hunt we only saw 6 in 3 days of hunting and way more walking and glassing. Which is an example of being in the right area when the food source is ripe, and 2 weeks later being there when not so ripe.